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'...forgetting what is behind and straining towards what is ahead...' |
Looking back, leaning forwards
Looking back:
Books are becoming less important with the widespread use of kindles but I grew up surrounded by them. Reading was an escape into other worlds, an education in so many fields. In my career as a Primary school teacher I wanted to pass on my enthusiasm for reading, writing and story telling. To encourage the exploration of the natural world and experimentation with various media.
Water-colour painting was something I indulged in only very occasionally, it didn't fit easily into family life with three sons. However they are and always have been encouraging of my efforts. Writing became something confined to reports, policies and record keeping. So it has only been recently, newly widowed and a little confused as to my role in life, that I looked again at my earlier 'creative leanings'. In the process I have been helped in finding a new direction and purpose.
Leaning forwards:
In my blog I intend to try to trace how this creativity has been fostered, what has hindered and what has helped and how my life has been enhanced by the challenges. Hopefully those of you who read it will find encouragement to explore your creativity.
My writing has been developed through- two years completing a creative writing course at Plymouth College of Art, plus a series of professional development opportunities offered by Literature Works based in Exeter.
To progress my Art practice I enrolled at ‘Newlyn School of Art’ on their 2020 ‘Defining Practice’ course. This was originally a one year course, which turned into a two year course due to Covid. It has profoundly affected the way I approach my work and I look forward to exploring and developing the ideas generated.
I have exhibited at ‘Harbour House Gallery’ Kingsbridge, and currently exhibit at The Art Hub- Newton Ferrers and at the annual RNLI Art Fair over August Bank Holiday.
I am a member of the ‘Yealm Art Society’ and ‘South Hams Art Forum’ and participate in their annual Open Studios fortnight in October.
Within my blog I share some of my experiments with writing and in the story writing section some updates on my current project- writing and illustrating a book.
Books are becoming less important with the widespread use of kindles but I grew up surrounded by them. Reading was an escape into other worlds, an education in so many fields. In my career as a Primary school teacher I wanted to pass on my enthusiasm for reading, writing and story telling. To encourage the exploration of the natural world and experimentation with various media.
Water-colour painting was something I indulged in only very occasionally, it didn't fit easily into family life with three sons. However they are and always have been encouraging of my efforts. Writing became something confined to reports, policies and record keeping. So it has only been recently, newly widowed and a little confused as to my role in life, that I looked again at my earlier 'creative leanings'. In the process I have been helped in finding a new direction and purpose.
Leaning forwards:
In my blog I intend to try to trace how this creativity has been fostered, what has hindered and what has helped and how my life has been enhanced by the challenges. Hopefully those of you who read it will find encouragement to explore your creativity.
My writing has been developed through- two years completing a creative writing course at Plymouth College of Art, plus a series of professional development opportunities offered by Literature Works based in Exeter.
To progress my Art practice I enrolled at ‘Newlyn School of Art’ on their 2020 ‘Defining Practice’ course. This was originally a one year course, which turned into a two year course due to Covid. It has profoundly affected the way I approach my work and I look forward to exploring and developing the ideas generated.
I have exhibited at ‘Harbour House Gallery’ Kingsbridge, and currently exhibit at The Art Hub- Newton Ferrers and at the annual RNLI Art Fair over August Bank Holiday.
I am a member of the ‘Yealm Art Society’ and ‘South Hams Art Forum’ and participate in their annual Open Studios fortnight in October.
Within my blog I share some of my experiments with writing and in the story writing section some updates on my current project- writing and illustrating a book.